Chapter 29
It was every bit as terrible as I’d feared.
I stood before a platform set up in the clearing, where Lord Raine and the Nightshade Lord presided over a makeshift court. My stomach knotted before their combined disapproving gazes. At least I had Thorne with me, hovering just behind my right shoulder. Neeve watched from a few paces away, though I didn’t think I had her support so much as her grudging acceptance.
“This is your stepdaughter?” The Nightshade Lord looked from me to the king, clearly unimpressed. “She seems young to be wandering the Darkwood alone. I thought you took better care of your subjects—particularly the ones who dwell within your castle.”
Lord Raine’s mouth tightened. “I am not remiss in my duties, Nightshade. I understand that Rose is known to the Galadhir
